Game Day, and prediction
Here is the game preview I wrote for today's paper, in which UCLA DT Brigham Harwell says it is a "do-or-die" game, as well as the notebook.
Also, I picked Oregon State to win 24-16, and here is the capsule that was in today's paper:
UCLA WINS IF ...If the dominance of OSU coach Mike Riley continues. He is 0-5 as the Beavers coach, and 0-4 as a USC assistant. ...The Beavers are allergic to grass. Their only two games on the real stuff resulted in losses. ...UCLA's offense found some miracle cure during the bye week and all of a sudden can score points, control the clock and get first downs.
TOP UCLA PERFORMERS
PASSING
Cmp.
Kevin Craft
RUSHING
Car.
Derrick Coleman
Kahlil Bell
RECEIVING
Rec.
Terrence Austin
Ryan Moya
DEFENSE
LB Reggie Carter - 57 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss.
DE Korey Bosworth - 5.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss
UCLA INJURY UPDATE
OUT
QB Ben Olson (foot), TE Logan Paulsen (foot), QB Patrick Cowan (knee), FB Trevor Therior (knee), DE Tom Blake (abdominal strain), LB Kyle Bosworth (knee), OL Micah Reed (susp.), OL Scott Glicksberg (susp.), DT Jess Ward (susp.), WR Nelson Rosario (ankle), DE Chinonso Anyanwu (stomach)
PROBABLE
LT Jeff Baca (hamstring), DT Chase Moline (back)
Oregon State WINS IF ...The road is not a scary place. The Beavs are 4-0 at home, including a win against USC, but are 1-3 on the road, with the lone win at Washington. ...QB Sean Canfield throws the ball to the correct team. With starter Lyle Moevao (shoulder) expected to be out, Canfield must manage the offense. ...RB Jacquizz Rodgers continues to be the super frosh. He leads the Pac-10 in rushing at 118.1 yards per game, and has excellent vision and cut-back ability.
TOP Oregon State PERFORMERS
PASSING
Cmp.
Lyle Moevao
Sean Canfield
RUSHING
Car.
Jacquizz Rodgers
James Rodgers
RECEIVING
Rec.
Sammie Stroughter
Shane Morales
DEFENSE
S Greg Laybourn - 70 tackles, 2 INTs
DE Slade Norris - 6.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss
Oregon State INJURY UPDATE
Out
OG Jeremy Perry (knee)
CB James Docker (knee)
Doubtful
QB Lyle Moevao (shoulder)
Probable
CB Keenan Lewis (ankle), DE Victor Butler (ankle), DE Slade Norris (back), C Alex Linnenkohl (ankle)
--Brian Dohn
Prediction: Oregon State 24, UCLA 16
20-17 UCLA!
SEE YOU IN VEGAS BYU!
My ouija board is saying:
OSU 27
UCLA 17
What a ridiculous prediction, Brian...like UCLA could ever hope to score 2 touchdowns!